The Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise

Clear water, ancient stones, and a lively ride home. The Rhenia-Delos cruise gives you two very different sides of the Cyclades in one day: a quiet swim stop near Rhenia and an open-air visit to Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. I especially like the generous time at Rhenia and the included Greek barbecue, wine, fruit, and soft drinks. The main drawback is that the Delos visit can feel short, and the beach stop may require climbing a boat ladder into the sea rather than stepping directly onto a sandy shore.

This is a shared boat trip, not a private sailing day. The boat can carry up to 120 people, so the mood may range from relaxed family outing to full-on music-and-dancing session on the return ride. At $106.42 per person, the price is reasonable if you value swimming, lunch, drinks, and Delos in one package, but it is less appealing if your main goal is a long, serious archaeological visit.

Key details before you book

• Rhenia comes first: You get about three and a half hours around a quiet beach for swimming, sunbathing, walking, and lunch.
• Delos admission costs extra: The archaeological site entrance fee is €20 per person, paid separately.
• The return ride gets lively: Music and dancing are a regular part of the trip, though the atmosphere is not always a party boat.
• Bring your own swim gear: Towels and snorkeling equipment cost extra onboard, and passengers have reported that the prices can feel high.
• The boat leaves from the Old Port: Embarkation is at 10:15 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. departure. You must make your own way there.
• Weather matters: Rough conditions can change the swimming location or cancel the outing. The operator offers another date or a full refund if weather forces cancellation.

Why Rhenia and Delos make a smart pairing

Mykonos is famous for whitewashed lanes, beach clubs, and late nights. This cruise gives you a useful change of pace without requiring a separate hotel move or complicated ferry plan. In one six-and-a-half-hour outing, you get a peaceful island stop, a meal at sea, and a chance to walk through an ancient sanctuary.

Rhenia and Delos sit close to Mykonos, but they feel worlds apart. Rhenia is quiet and largely undeveloped, with clear water and sandy or rocky shorelines selected according to the day’s wind and sea conditions. Delos is a major archaeological site where temples, houses, mosaics, and public buildings spread across an exposed island.

That contrast is the heart of the trip. You can spend the morning in the water, then spend the afternoon among ruins that connect directly to the religious and political story of the ancient Aegean. You should know, though, that this is not a guided history tour. Delos is explored independently, at your own expense.

Meeting at Mykonos Old Port at 10:15 a.m.

You need to reach Aegean Ventures at the Old Port of Mykonos on your own. The stated start time is 10:30 a.m., but boarding takes place at 10:15 a.m., so arriving early is important.

This detail matters if you are arriving from a cruise ship. Mykonos cruise ships use a separate port area, about 1.5 kilometers from the Old Port. The operator does not provide shuttle transportation, and missing the boat because you walked from the cruise port can mean missing the whole excursion. Use the available transport options from your cruise arrangements and allow plenty of time.

The meeting point is near public transportation, and confirmation is provided at booking. Bring your identification or passport, since it may be checked to verify age. Alcohol service is limited to people aged 18 and over.

Rhenia: three and a half hours of water and lunch

The boat takes about 45 minutes to reach Rhenia. Once there, the captain anchors near a deserted beach. This is the part of the outing I would value most if you want a quiet swim away from Mykonos crowds.

You can swim in clear turquoise water, sunbathe, or stroll around the area while lunch is prepared. The exact beach is not fixed. The captain chooses the best available spot based on the weather, which is sensible in the Cyclades but means the shore may not match your mental picture of a broad, easy-access beach.

Pay close attention to the physical setup. At least one beach stop may involve climbing down a ladder from the boat and swimming to shore. One passenger found the ladder difficult and expected an easier beach experience. The operator explains that Rhenia is a deserted island and access varies by conditions.

If you are uneasy in open water, ask about the swimming arrangement before getting off the boat. Noodles are sometimes provided to help people stay afloat, but this is not the same as walking into shallow water from a developed beach. Strong swimmers, confident children, and people comfortable using a boat ladder will have the easiest time.

The three-and-a-half-hour stop includes both leisure time and lunch. That is a generous block compared with the Delos visit, so you will not need to rush your swim or meal. On the other hand, if ancient sites are your priority, you may wish that some of this time were shifted to Delos.

A Greek barbecue served onboard

Lunch is simple, filling Greek fare rather than a restaurant meal. The barbecue includes pork and chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, and seasonal fruit.

The meal has been praised for being tasty and adequate, with some people calling it a highlight of the day. Vegetarian meals can be accommodated, but you should make that need clear when booking or before departure. The food is one reason the price works well: you are not paying separately for a restaurant lunch during a full-day island outing.

Wine, water, and refreshments are included. Juice is available for anyone who does not want wine, and the crew keeps drinks moving during the meal and cruise. There is also a cash-only bar for other drinks, so carry cash if you want anything beyond the included selection.

The wine has received mixed reactions. Some people enjoyed the free-flowing supply, while others found it poor. I would treat the drinks as a pleasant inclusion, not the reason to book the cruise.

Delos: ancient Greece, with limited time

After lunch, the boat sails to Delos. The scheduled stop lasts about one hour and 45 minutes, including the time needed to leave and collect people from the site. That gives you a useful first look, but it is not a slow archaeological day.

The entrance fee is not included. The current stated price is €20 per person, set by the Greek Ministry of Culture. Pay this extra amount if you want to enter the site. If you prefer not to visit the ruins, the boat takes you to a nearby secluded beach for more swimming and sunbathing.

Delos deserves attention. In ancient times, it was a major religious center dedicated to Apollo and Artemis, and its ruins cover a large open area. Here, you may see monumental remains, residential streets, theaters, mosaics, and temples spread across ground with little shade.

Since there is no included guide, you need to manage your own route and time. A self-guided visit can feel wonderfully personal, especially if you enjoy wandering among old stones at your own speed. But without preparation, you may spend much of the short stop simply finding your bearings.

I suggest reading a little about Delos before you go and deciding what you most want to see. Keep an eye on the time. Several people wished for a longer visit, especially those who came mainly for the ancient site. If Delos is your top reason for visiting, a dedicated archaeological excursion with more site time may suit you better.

If swimming is your top priority, the balance may feel just right. You get an important ancient site without giving up most of the day to ruins.

The return sail past Little Venice

After collecting the people who visited Delos, the boat heads back to Mykonos Old Port. The final sail takes about an hour and 15 minutes and passes Little Venice, giving you a good photo opportunity from the water.

This is often when the cruise shifts into its most social mood. Music and dancing may begin, and the crew has been praised for bringing energy to the boat, especially for families with young children. Some outings feel like a modest party boat, while others remain more relaxed. The group size and mix of ages will shape the mood.

The dancing is part of the charm for many people. It turns a standard boat transfer into a shared celebration and gives the crew a chance to connect with everyone onboard. If you prefer quiet sailing, this may be the least appealing part of the trip. You can still enjoy the views and sit back, but you should not expect a silent return.

Rough water is possible on the way back. The crew has earned praise for keeping people safe and calm when the sea becomes choppy, and the larger boat can operate in conditions that may cancel smaller catamaran trips. Still, anyone prone to seasickness should prepare carefully and choose a seat with that concern in mind.

Boat size, comfort, and onboard practicalities

The maximum capacity is 120 people. That is a substantial group, and the experience will not feel intimate in the way a small private sailing trip does. The advantage is stability: a larger boat may handle wind better than a small catamaran, and there is a restroom onboard.

Safety equipment is included. Snorkeling gear and towels are not. The operator states that these are available for a small extra charge, but onboard prices have been described as much higher than expected. One response from the company places snorkeling equipment at €15, while another passenger reported being quoted €50, so the safest choice is to bring your own mask, snorkel, and towel.

Wear light clothing or swimwear and use strong sun protection. The open water, pale sand, and exposed ruins provide little shelter from the sun. Comfortable shoes are useful for Delos, while footwear you can manage around a boat ladder will help at Rhenia.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. The swimming access, however, can be strenuous for anyone with mobility concerns, poor balance, or anxiety about climbing a ladder into the sea. Ask the operator for current access details if this could affect your decision.

Is $106.42 a fair price?

The price includes a lot: about six and a half hours on the water, transport between three locations, barbecue lunch, wine, water, soft drinks, safety equipment, and a restroom. Add the €20 Delos entrance fee if you want to visit the ruins.

For a Mykonos activity, that is fair value if you plan to make use of both parts of the day. The included meal saves you from buying lunch, and the swim stop would likely cost extra on a simpler transfer or sightseeing trip. The crew’s friendly service also adds to the sense that you are buying a full experience rather than just a boat ride.

The value drops if you skip Delos and do not care for group entertainment. In that case, you are mainly paying for a swimming cruise and lunch. A smaller boat or private charter might offer a quieter experience, though likely at a higher price.

The strong overall rating of 4.6 from 498 ratings, with 91 percent recommending the activity, points to a dependable crowd-pleaser. It is not perfect for everyone. The repeated concerns are clear: Delos time feels short, equipment costs can surprise you, and the swimming stop may require more physical effort than expected.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this outing to people who want variety. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a full day away from Mykonos town without spending the entire time in a museum or archaeological site.

It is especially good for you if you enjoy:

• Swimming from a boat in clear Aegean water
• Casual Greek food and included drinks
• Ancient ruins explored at your own pace
• Music and dancing during the return ride
• A social group setting rather than a private excursion

Families have found the mix successful, including children as young as four and six. The crew may make a special effort to keep younger passengers involved. Still, parents should consider the ladder access and open-water swimming before booking.

This is less suitable for you if you need a quiet, small-group sailing trip, want a long guided visit to Delos, or expect an easy walk directly onto a sandy beach. It is also a poor fit if you arrive at the cruise port without a firm plan for reaching the Old Port on time.

My final verdict on the Rhenia-Delos day

Book it if you want the best blend of sea time, food, ruins, and fun in one Mykonos outing. The most praised elements are consistent: Rhenia’s beautiful water, the friendly family-run crew, the filling lunch, the sturdy boat, and the music on the way home.

Go in with realistic expectations. Delos is a short independent visit, not a full archaeological tour. Rhenia may mean a ladder and a swim rather than a gentle beach landing. Bring towels, snorkeling gear, sun protection, cash, and a plan for reaching the Old Port.

For the price, I think this is a strong choice for active people who want a social day on the water. If your heart belongs mainly to Delos, choose a longer site-focused tour. If you want to swim, eat well, see ancient Greece, and finish with dancing beside Mykonos, this cruise earns its place on your itinerary.

FAQ

How long does the Rhenia-Delos cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes, including the sailing, Rhenia stop, Delos visit, and return to Mykonos Old Port.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Aegean Ventures at Mykonos Old Port. Boarding is at 10:15 a.m., with departure scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. The Delos archaeological site entrance fee is paid separately and is listed as €20 per person.

What food is included?

Lunch includes pork and chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki sauce, bread, and seasonal fruit. Vegetarian food can be accommodated.

Are drinks included?

Complimentary wine, water, and refreshments are included. Other drinks may be available from a cash-only bar.

Are towels and snorkeling equipment provided?

They are not included in the price. Towels and snorkeling equipment are available for an extra charge, though bringing your own is the better value.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.